IELTS Speaking: 10 Phrases That Impress Examiners Guide

A lot of students are getting ready for IELTS Speaking tests by learning word lists, but they still get stuck at a 6. The issue is that examiners are looking for natural, intelligible language, and there are only a handful of IELTS Speaking phrases that will help you sound authentic. This article will provide you with 10 important IELTS Speaking phrases, explain how and when to use them, and give you examples in the context of the 2026 IELTS Speaking test format.

If you are still learning how the whole test works, read our IELTS Exam Details guide first.

The IELTS Speaking test is between 11 and 14 minutes long and is performed face-to-face with a certified examiner. Some test centers offer a Video Call Speaking option, which mirrors the content, format, and scoring criteria of the Speaking test.

Regardless of the test taker’s IELTS type (Academic or General Training), the same phrases work for everyone and can help achieve the desired result during the Speaking test. Note that tests can be on the same day as other exam parts or even weeks before or after.

You can estimate your overall band after practice with our IELTS Score Calculator.

An examiner assesses a student’s performance during the test using four IELTS Speaking band descriptors: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each of these four elements contributes to the final Speaking score equal parts (25%). Therefore, students need to work on their English skills equally in all areas in order to succeed. Since examiners record all Speaking tests, students can request a remark by resubmitting the recording. The test allows for a wide variety of accents; however, it is not advised to imitate others’ accents – aim for clear pronunciation instead of any accent.

Examiners can easily notice memorized answers, therefore rehearsed pieces may end up lowering your Fluency and Coherence score, despite impeccable grammar. So, try using the phrases as a tool rather than a script, and use the phrases only when relevant to the question.

And you should also avoid repeating the same phrases over and over again, otherwise you would be penalized in Lexical Resource.

1. "That's a really interesting question."

This phrase gives you a few seconds to think, and it keeps your answer smooth instead of leaving an awkward silence. Use it mainly in Part 3, where examiners ask abstract questions on topics such as society, technology, or education.

Example: "That's a really interesting question. I would say technology has changed how young people study."

You should limit it to once or twice during the whole test, because heavy overuse quickly makes your answers sound scripted.

2. "To be honest,"

This phrase shows that you give a real opinion instead of a memorized answer, which makes your speech sound personal and believable. It works well in IELTS Speaking Part 1, where the examiner asks about familiar topics such as work, family, studies, and hobbies.

Example: "To be honest, I am not a big fan of cooking, but I enjoy baking cakes at weekends."

Examiners assess your English, not your personal life, so you never need to worry about whether your answer is perfectly true.

3. "What I mean is..." or "Let me put it another way."

The Fluency and Coherence criterion includes self-correction, so a smooth fix shows control and costs you far less than a long silence. Use this phrase when you notice a wrong word, or when you feel your first explanation sounded unclear to the examiner.

Example: "I usually travel by metro. What I mean is, I take the metro on weekdays, but I walk on Sundays."

4. "As far as I'm concerned,"

This phrase introduces your opinion clearly and gives you a natural starting point for longer answers in the Part 3 discussion. You can swap it with similar options like "I'd say," "From my point of view," or "I personally feel" to avoid repeating yourself.

Example: "As far as I'm concerned, public transport should be cheaper, because many people depend on it every single day."

5. "It really depends on..."

Since part 3 questions cannot have one single solution, they are an ideal method for showing how well you can apply balanced reasoning. Once you use the above phrase, it is important that you introduce the factor, followed by two brief examples.

Example: "It really depends on the person. Some people enjoy working from home, while others miss talking to colleagues every day."

6. "The main reason is that..."

When you have higher band scores, you tend to speak more, so adding reason will help you to elaborate on your answers. Also, using this phrase correctly will improve your Fluency and Coherency score in Part 1 and Part 3.

Example: “I like living in a small town because people there know everybody so I always feel secure.”

7. “For instance,” or “For example,”

Real examples will give your answers more reality and, at the same time, you will manage to spend two minutes in IELTS Speaking Part 2. You should recall some situation from your life (for example, the time when you visited some place or did something) and tell about it briefly.

Example: "I like learning new skills. As one example, last year I attended an evening course to learn the basic techniques of photography."

8. "If I had the opportunity, I would..."

This is another way of introducing the use of conditional structures. Using conditional structures will diversify your grammar and help you get better marks for Grammatical Range and Accuracy. In Part 3, you can use it for questions about hypothetical situations. Also, it can be used in Part 2 when you need to describe something you wish to do.

Example: "If I had the chance, I would study abroad, because I want to experience a different education system."

9. "Having said that," or "On the one hand... on the other hand..."

Both phrases will allow you to discuss two sides of the issue, so your answers in Part 3 will sound more detailed and well-structured. You can begin by stating your position, and then use “having said that” to emphasize the drawbacks in your argumentation. Lastly, sum up your answer.

10. "What really stood out for me was..."

Part 2 asks you to speak for two minutes after one minute of preparation, so you need phrases that keep your story moving. This phrase highlights the most memorable detail and adds feeling, which makes your description sound lively instead of like a plain list of facts.

Example: "I visited the old fort last year. What really stood out for me was the quiet view at sunset."

You can also use the pencil and paper the examiner gives you to note a few keywords that guide your story.

Quick Reference Table-

Practice is more important than memorizing so do what comes next four steps every week:

• Write down your answers: tell yourself in your phone and listen it and make the portions that you were stopping try to say the words or the portions that you were making mistakes in grammar again.
• Practice with human beings: Rather practice with friends or relatives or even with individuals who work with you on a regular basis because they will assist in helping you to develop spoken fluency of oral language otherwise impossible by just working with prepared scripts.
• Timed Practice tests: Practice the speaking section with a full practice test (11 to14 minutes for each speaking part), and time yourself as you will on the real test.
• Verify the band descriptors: verify your responses using the descriptors of the public bands, and match your responses with the level you desire to attain; not the level you have reached.

• To think off by heart: Prepared answers in a rehearsed paragraph or essay form are obvious and are identified early on by the examiners. So, it is better to prepare ideas when you think off by heart.
• Making big words will get you high bands: big words doesn't mean a band 7. Good vocabulary are words you know, can pronounce and understand.
• Over the top use of rich words using too many words that sound unnatural so it is better not to use too many so that they are over-used and using one or two in each answer.
• Portray your concern about your accent: Use pleasant pronunciation and don't forget to speak slowly. Don't forget that the mother-tongue flavor in your English will not affect your results.

If it is just your Speaking score, which is a weakness, there is a solution, the IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to defy that one element if you retake within 60 days of your initial computer-based test. Make sure you check the current policy with your center before you book as this may not be available in every country.

You can make these answers to the IELTS Speaking sound more natural, confident, and coherent, but you should only borrow these words and phrases to justify your answers. You shouldn't try and remember to repeat all these in the Speaking test, and even can't according to these words to score well. The examiner will also look at the accuracy of your grammar and pronunciation, your fluency, your ability to speak at length using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and your coherence. These expressions can help you to use language more naturally and confidently in Speaking, but you need to remember not to memorize fixed 'answers' you want to say in IELTS Speaking, or to try to include these advanced phrases in every single answer use these phrases where you need to add variety and support to your ideas.

Ready to plan your next step? Review the full IELTS Exam Details, check your target with the IELTS Score Calculator, and speak to our team about the right IELTS Coaching Class for you.